An alumni sharing session titled “Study to Entrepreneurship”, featuring Mr. Haris Siswandy, founder of Haris Rejab IT Solution and Ciptify Global, was held at the Melaka campus on 11 June 2025. Organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) Alumni Committee, the session offered valuable insights to spark students’ interest in entrepreneurial pursuits.
A graduate of the Diploma in Electronic Engineering programme in 2023, Haris began his entrepreneurial journey by launching an IT services startup. He now manages two companies focusing on design, marketing, IT services, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). His team was recently awarded a project to develop a virtual campus tour for UTM Kuala Lumpur.
During the session, the speaker shared insights from his personal journey, including juggling multiple part-time jobs while studying. These roles—such as delivery rider, promoter, and assistant technician—not only gave him valuable exposure but also expanded his networking opportunities, although they sometimes impacted his academic performance. He emphasised that building interpersonal skills through academic and extracurricular involvement is crucial for both personal and professional development.
Mr. Haris also highlighted his business experiences, stressing that success isn’t solely defined by profit. He noted that failures are part of the process, and strong networks often open doors to unexpected opportunities. One notable collaboration involved the development of AINA, an AI platform designed for human-like interaction. He also underscored the importance of client communication, stating that honesty is the foundation of trust.
In conclusion, he encouraged students to network actively whether through events or casual conversations, remarking that strong connections are key to entrepreneurial success and long-term growth.